Small pieces or fragments left over from something larger, or discarded remnants of food, material, or information. Often refers to leftover bits that may still have some value or use.
From Old Norse 'skrap' meaning 'scraps of food, trifles'. Related to 'scrape', suggesting things obtained by scraping or gathering small amounts. The sense of 'leftover pieces' dates to the 14th century.
What we consider 'scraps' often reveals cultural values about waste and resourcefulness - quilting transforms fabric scraps into treasured heirlooms, while chefs create gourmet stocks from vegetable scraps. One culture's trash truly becomes another's treasure!
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